In short, Clowe got a two-game suspension for purposely starting an altercation. However, his presence on the ice was deemed legal since he had made a legal line change.

Ryane Clowe racked up 35 penalty minutes in one game this season. (AP Photo)

During the game, Clowe was assessed a minor penalty for roughing and a game misconduct for leaving the bench on an illegal line change to start a fight with Chicago Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw with 8.4 seconds left in regulation — an infraction that calls for a 10-game suspension. The move came after a hard hit that Shaw delivered on Sharks forward Joe Pavelski.

In a video explanation, Brendan Shanahan, the NHL’s senior vice president of player safety, said: “[Joe Pavelski] has been on the ice for a minute and eight seconds, and is skating towards the Sharks door. Signaling to Clowe the opportunity to make a legal line change under NHL standards.

“What that established, we asked the question: Does Clowe enter the ice on a legal line change for the purpose of starting an altercation? In our opinion, the answer is yes.”

Clowe has already served one game of the suspension and will miss Tuesday’s game against the Colorado Avalanche as well.

Clowe had a teleconference with Shanahan on Monday, after Clowe waived his right to an in-person supplemental disciplinary hearing, according to Inside Bay Area.

Clowe also has the distinction of receiving 35 penalty minutes in one game this season, a Jan. 27 win over the Vancouver Canucks.